Developer Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) has signed a management agreement with Time Out Group – the global media and hospitality business – to open a new Time Out Market at Diriyah Square, the commercial, retail and lifestyle heart of the 14sqkm Diriyah Square development.
Set to be a key anchor of Diriyah Square, Time Out Market Riyadh is forecast to open in 2027. Spread across 9,000sqm and two levels, the cultural market aims to bring Riyadh’s best chefs, restaurateurs, and cultural experiences together under one roof, based on editorial curation.
The market will provide a space and opportunities for established as well as up-and-coming culinary and cultural talents. There will be 23 kitchens, five beverage serveries, multiple stages, event and exhibition spaces, a demonstration kitchen, kitchen academy and kitchen lab. With approximately 1,650 seats, guests will have a variety of indoor and al fresco dining options, the DGDA noted.
In May 2022, the DGDA said it would transform Wadi Hanifah into a nature-focused getaway.
Time Out first started in 1968 to showcase the best of the city and today covers content on 333 cities in 59 countries, with Time Out Riyadh having launched last year.
The Diriyah Square development will deliver retail, leisure, entertainment, hospitality and cultural offering for residents of and visitors to Riyadh. Over 180,000sqm in size, Diriyah Square will include more than 400 global retail and lifestyle brands and outstanding dining offers, as well as over 100 local concepts, seamlessly blending international brands with the best of traditionally inspired Saudi retail.
In addition to the retail offerings, there will be six luxury hotels, three branded residences, five premium office buildings and over 20 open-air event spaces. Whilst respecting the rich history and traditional Najdi architecture unique to the area, the design of Diriyah Square will feature state-of-the-art modern conveniences, delivering a unique place to shop, eat, rest, work and play, the statement added.
In July 2022, DGDA and SIRC signed a waste management agreement.
Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO, DGDA commented: “We are thrilled to announce Time Out Market for Diriyah Square, becoming the first of many major anchors for the development. The team at Time Out Market share our vision – creating a vibrant dining experience for both locals and visitors alike that complements the retail, lifestyle and culture ingrained across Diriyah, and especially here at Diriyah Square.”
Time Out Market currently has seven open locations with a further seven signed, in addition to several other locations in advanced negotiations.
As part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, Diriyah is a $63.2bn development that aims to become the Kingdom’s foremost historical, cultural and lifestyle destination. The megaproject is making substantial progress, having already opening two elements of the masterplan in Q4 2022: At-Turaif, the UNESCO World Heritage site, and Bujairi Terrace, the new 15,000 sqm culinary destination with over 20 world-class local, international and Michelin star restaurants.
In early October 2022, DGDA and NHC said they would collaborate on mutual areas that serve the housing sector.
Time Out Market Co-CEO (Development) Jay Coldren added, “Time Out has always been at the forefront of urban centres, shining a light on the best of the city. Our Time Out Markets let local culinary and cultural talent showcase their skills, bring people together to connect, create employment opportunities, and provide an open and diverse workplace for the community.”
He concluded, “Diriyah Square is set to be a landmark, combining history, heritage and culture alongside retail and hospitality – as the country is opening up to tourism and the world, there is a well-established eating out culture that continues to grow, and evolving cultural scenes which both locals and visitors are increasingly enjoying. We are looking forward to offering our unique Time Out Market experience, alongside our partners at DGDA.”
In late November 2022, DGDA said it had added 16 new global brands to its hospitality portfolio.